Abia Reaffirms Commitment to Safe Water, Sanitation Access

The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services through strategic partnerships, rehabilitation of water facilities and long-term infrastructure development. The pledge was made during a two-day Stakeholders' Validation and Local Investment Plan Workshop organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in collaboration with the state Ministry of Power and Public Utilities and Teamwork Global Associates in Umuahia.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, represented by the ministry's Director of Administration, Nwaomiko Udo-Nwokocha, said the state was shifting from temporary solutions to sustainable investments in the water sector. He said the government aims to ensure that every household in both urban and rural communities has reliable access to safe drinking water through the rehabilitation of water schemes and the modernisation of distribution networks.

The workshop focused on developing a comprehensive Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Investment Plan for Abia State. Consultants from Teamwork Global Associates presented findings from field assessments of water supply, sanitation and hygiene facilities across communities, while stakeholders reviewed and refined the report ahead of implementation.

Local government officials and other participants expressed confidence that the investment plan would strengthen Governor Alex Otti's efforts to improve access to clean water and sanitation services. The initiative forms part of the Federal Government's broader rural WASH programme aimed at increasing access to safe water, improving public health and advancing Nigeria's Sustainable Development Goals.